Longevity Pictures and ZQ Entertainment secure Tormented Souls screen rights
The acquisition of the Tormented Souls video game franchise highlights a strategic push by studios to monetize indie gaming intellectual property through multi-platform screen adaptations and franchise building.
ZQ Entertainment, Prime Universe Films and Longevity Pictures have acquired the film and television rights to the Tormented Souls video game franchise from developer Dual Effect. The deal secures the intellectual property for screen adaptation as the studios look to expand their entertainment portfolios beyond traditional formats.
The original game was initially released by publisher PQube Games on the Steam platform. Following its indie launch, the title expanded onto major console hardware, including PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. This multi-platform gaming footprint now provides a foundation for the property's transition into film and television.
The narrative of Tormented Souls unfolds inside the abandoned Wildberger Hospital. The story follows Caroline Walker as she searches for missing twin girls, ultimately becoming entangled in a nightmare involving grotesque experiments, supernatural forces and terrifying secrets.
Regarding the financial structure of the adaptation, ZQ Entertainment will finance the development phase and co-finance the overall production. The project is being managed by a producing team that includes Adrian Askarieh, Ara Keshishian, Majd Nassif, Petr Jakl, Gabriel Araneda Quijada and Germán Araneda Quijada.
Producers Ara Keshishian and Petr Jakl stated: “The game creates genuine dread while telling a compelling emotional story. Our goal is to honor everything fans love while delivering a terrifying cinematic experience worthy of the franchise.”
The adaptation strategy points toward long-term asset building rather than a single standalone release. While the producers have not yet confirmed whether a film or television series will launch first, they have outlined serious franchise plans for the property.
For the broader screen economy, this deal illustrates how production companies are leveraging established indie gaming audiences to mitigate the financial risks of original content. By securing these rights, studios aim to build scalable franchise value across different media formats.
